This drill simulates the first part of your press breaker in the full court. It helps players make crisp passes, read the defense, and not panic.

Instructions

To set up this drill you'll want two lines of offensive players at mid court. You'll want three defensive players (which you can use assistants or coaches instead of players). You'll need a player to receive the inbounds pass and someone to throw the ball inbounds (could be a coach).

The inbounder will pass to Player 1. This player must catch the ball and face the basket. It's important to catch and face with a strong wide base, protecting the ball, and stay low.

The first two defensive players will trap the ball. The third defender is playing in the middle ready to anticipate and intercept the pass.

After receiving the pass, Player 1 will try to pass to Player 2 or 3.

It's important for Player 1 to stay low (if they stand straight up or turn their back to the defense they will be able to tighten the trap). It's also important for Player 1 so use their pivot, use pass fakes, read the defense, and make a nice crisp pass to the open player. Player 1 might need to use a back up dribble or split the defense to create a good open passing angle.

The players that receive the pass should meet the ball, catch, and then face in triple threat position.

Next, have players rotate and restart the drill.

Points of Emphasis:

Catch and face the basket.

Stay low and wide (don't stand up or turn you back to the defense).

Use your pivot.

When possible try to split the trap.

If needed, use your back up dribble to create space and get a good passing angle.

When dribbling, look to attack the outside leg of one of the defenders to get past them.